Accident Overview
On January 19, 2019, at about 1315 central standard time, a Piper PA-28 airplane, registration N3298Z, impacted a frozen lake near Iron Mountain, Michigan. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual, who was also the pilot. The pilot, who held an airline transport rating, sustained minor injuries, while the airplane experienced substantial damage. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which originated at Ford Airport (IMT) in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot's statement, he had completed an uneventful sight-seeing flight and intended to return to IMT. While flying at about 800 feet above ground level over Fumee Lake, Michigan, he initiated a left-hand turn. The pilot reported that he became distracted while focusing on a distant point across the frozen and snow-covered lake. During the descending left turn, he lost reference to the horizon and subsequently impacted the ground with the left wing, main gear, and right wing. The pilot indicated on his accident report that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.
Weather Conditions
At 1254, the automated surface observation system at IMT, located 6 miles west of the accident site, reported wind from 020 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, an overcast ceiling at 3,500 feet, temperature -11°C, dew point -18°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.19 inches of mercury.